ECHOCARDIOGRAM (ECHO)

An ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sounds waves that are transmitted to the heart through a device called a transducer. The device picks up echoes of the sound waves as they bounce off the different parts of your heart. This test produces images of your heart and allows your doctor to see your heart beating and pumping blood. Your doctor can then use these images to identify heart disease and assess valve function.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Patients are asked to remove their clothes from the waist up and cover themselves with a gown. A small amount of warm gel is applied as a probe moves over the chest to produce images of the heart. This test lasts approximately 45 minutes.